The Third Case (5)

"Senior Superintendent Choi speaking."

I feel a rush of panic and excitement wash over me, my mind going blank as I struggle to find the right words. "Uh, hello, sir. This is Officer Park. I, um, I wasn't expecting you to pick up."

There's a moment of silence on the other end, a pause that feels heavy with unspoken questions and reservations. "What can I do for you, Officer Park?"

I take a deep breath, my thoughts racing as I try to formulate a coherent response. "Well, sir, I was wondering... I mean, I know I'm not officially part of the unit yet, but I was hoping... maybe I could start early? At the Seoul Metropolitan Investigation Unit, I mean."

The words feel clumsy and awkward as they leave my mouth, and I can feel my face flushing with embarrassment. What was I thinking, calling up a senior officer out of the blue and making such a bold request?

There's another long pause on the other end of the line, a silence that feels heavy with the weight of Choi's consideration. I hold my breath, my heart pounding in my ears as I wait for his response.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Choi speaks again. "See you at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency tomorrow."

And with that, the line goes dead, leaving me stunned and speechless. Did he just... agree to my request? Did I really just secure a chance to join the investigation early, to make a real difference in the case?

I sit there for a moment, the phone still pressed to my ear, my mind reeling with the implications of what just happened. I can hardly believe it, can hardly fathom that my desperate, impulsive gambit actually paid off.

"Well, well, well," says Bundy, his voice filled with a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Look who just scored a golden ticket to the big leagues. I have to say, Park, I didn't think you had it in you."

I can't help but bristle at his words, my pride wounded by his implicit condescension. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Bundy chuckles, the sound echoing in my mind like a dark and twisted melody. "Oh, nothing. It's just that I never pegged you for the type to go over your superiors' heads, to make a bold move like that. Looks like there's more to you than meets the eye."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the swirl of emotions that threatens to overwhelm me. "It wasn't about making a bold move," I say, my voice firm and steadfast. "It was about doing what's right, about following the evidence where it leads and pursuing justice at any cost."

Bundy laughs, the sound harsh and grating in my mind. "Oh, spare me the noble rhetoric, Park. We both know that this is about more than just the case. It's about proving yourself, about showing all those high-and-mighty detectives that you're just as good as they are, if not better."

I open my mouth to protest, but the words die on my lips. As much as I hate to admit it, there's a kernel of truth to Bundy's words. I do want to prove myself, to show that I'm more than just a lowly officer from a backwater district.

But that's not all there is to it. There's also the burning desire for justice, the unshakable conviction that I have a duty to the victims and their families, to the innocent lives that have been shattered by this senseless act of violence.

"You're right," I say, my voice low and measured. "I do want to prove myself. But more than that, I want to find the truth. I want to bring Soo-yeon's killer to justice and give her family the closure they deserve."

Bundy is silent for a moment, his presence in my mind like a heavy and suffocating weight. "And you think joining the investigation early is the way to do that?"

I nod, my resolve hardening with each passing moment. "I do. I have insights, information that could be crucial to cracking this case. And with Choi's support, I'll have the resources and the authority to pursue those leads, to follow the evidence wherever it takes me."

Bundy sighs, his voice filled with a note of resignation. "Well, far be it from me to stand in the way of your noble quest for justice. Just remember, Park, the higher you climb, the harder you fall. And in a case like this, with stakes this high... the fall could be deadly."

I feel a chill run down my spine at his words, but I push it aside. I know the risks, know the dangers that come with pursuing a killer as twisted and ruthless as this one.

But I also know that I have no choice, that I'm bound by my oath and my conscience to see this through to the end, no matter the cost.

"I understand the risks," I say, my voice filled with a quiet and unshakable determination. "But I won't let that stop me. I'll do whatever it takes to find the truth and bring this killer to justice. No matter how deep into the darkness I have to go."

Bundy chuckles, the sound filled with a mix of admiration and foreboding. "Well then. I guess all that's left to say is... good luck. You're going to need it."

And with that, his presence fades from my mind, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the weight of the task ahead.

The next morning, I find myself standing in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. As I take a deep breath and step through the doors, I'm greeted by a sight that stops me in my tracks.

A young woman, her hair neatly tied back and her uniform crisp and professional, is walking towards me with a warm and welcoming smile. As she extends her hand in greeting, I can't help but notice how strikingly beautiful she is.

"Hello, you must be Officer Park. I'm Sue, and I'll be helping you get settled in today."

I take her hand, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. "It's nice to meet you, Sue. Thank you for the welcome."

Sue leads me through the bustling halls of the agency, explaining her role as we walk. "I'm also an officer like yourself, but my duties are primarily administrative. I handle a lot of the paperwork and logistics for the unit."

I nod, trying to take in all the new information. As we arrive at what appears to be a reception area, Sue hands me a folder with a smile.

"I have some good news for you, Officer Park. Your transfer has been approved, and you are now an official part of the Seoul Metropolitan Investigation Unit. Here's your new ID, along with some credentials and paperwork for you to fill out."

I take the folder, my eyes widening in surprise. I knew that Choi had pulled some strings to get me here early, but I hadn't expected things to move this quickly.

"Wow, I'm impressed. Senior Superintendent Choi really has some pull around here, doesn't he?"

Sue nods, her expression filled with a mix of admiration and respect. "He does indeed. He's one of the most respected figures in the agency, and when he wants something done, it gets done."

As I flip through the paperwork, Sue briefs me on the day's schedule. "Your first order of business is to attend the morning meeting. It's a chance for all the officers to share information about the latest cases and developments."

I nod, feeling a surge of determination wash over me. "I'll be there, on time and ready to contribute."

Sue smiles, her eyes shining with a mix of curiosity and admiration. "You know, Officer Park, I have to say I'm impressed by your presence here. In all my years with the agency, I've never seen someone join the unit who wasn't an alumni of the Korean National Police University."

I feel a flush of embarrassment wash over me, and I stumble over my words as I try to respond. "Oh, well, I... I just try to work hard and follow the evidence wherever it leads."

Sue seems to sense my discomfort, and she quickly changes the subject. "Let me show you to your desk, Officer Park. You'll want to get settled in before the meeting starts."

As she leads me through the maze of desks and offices, I can't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration wash over me. Here I am, a lowly officer from a backwater district, rubbing shoulders with some of the most elite detectives in the country.

It's a daunting prospect, but also an exhilarating one. And with Sue's help and Choi's support, I know that I'm ready to face whatever challenges and mysteries the day may bring.

As I make my way to the conference room, following Sue's directions, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I know that this meeting is my first real chance to make an impression on my new colleagues, to show them that I belong here despite my unorthodox background.

I take a deep breath and push open the door, stepping into the room with as much confidence as I can muster. As I do, I'm immediately met with a sea of curious and skeptical gazes.

There are about twenty people already seated around the large conference table, and as I quickly scan the room, I realize that Sue was right. I'm the only officer here, surrounded by inspectors and higher-ranking officials.

I can feel their eyes boring into me, their expressions filled with a mix of confusion and disdain. It's clear that they're wondering what I'm doing here, why someone of my rank and background has been thrust into their midst.

But I refuse to let their skepticism shake my resolve. I clear my throat and introduce myself in a loud, clear voice.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Officer Park, and I've been assigned to the Seoul Metropolitan Investigation Unit. I'm looking forward to working with all of you and contributing to the team's efforts."

Despite my best efforts, my words seem to fall on deaf ears. The other officers continue to stare at me, their expressions unchanged. It's as if they can't quite believe what they're hearing, can't accept that someone like me could possibly belong in their elite circle.

Just as I'm starting to feel the first stirrings of doubt, the door behind me swings open. I turn to see two familiar faces striding into the room.

It's Inspector Kim and Senior Superintendent Choi.